Tips on How to Treat the Withdrawal Symptoms of Quitting Smoking

The withdrawal symptoms from smoking cigarettes are the actual signals given by your body that it is healing.

Quitting smoking is not really easy for the people who’ve been regularly doing it for many years. There will be some temporary changes in your life after making a firm decision to quit smoking. However, dealing with these issues in the right way is essential to get rid of this addiction and lead a positive life.

The withdrawal symptoms from smoking are the actual signals given by your body that it is healing fromnicotine addiction. This phase is tough for the smokers and they might feel unpleasant for about 2-6 weeks after taking the decision to quit. The symptoms are at their peak during the first week after quitting and the intensity goes down over the first month. Everyone is different and so are their ways of abandoning their smoking habits.

Studies reveal that about half of smokers experience at least 3 withdrawal symptoms after quitting the addiction of smoking. These are the most common symptoms faced by people. The best part is that you can reduce cravings and the problems will subside over time. We’ve clubbed up some common withdrawal symptoms of quitting smoking and the ways to deal with them.

Some of the most common smoking effects and withdrawal symptoms after quitting smoking, along with the ways to deal with them include:

Nicotine cravings

The major reason for cravings is theaddictionto nicotine. Your body craves it to maintain its constant nicotine levels and upon its dropping, there are intense changes noticed in body and behavior. The cravings may become quite intense in the initial phases but the trick is to distract your mind and do something else to pass off the craving. To avoid these cravings, concentrate on some hobby, call a friend, drink some water, practice deep breathing, change surroundings, keep munching the oral substitutes (fruits, salads or anything), use Nicotine Replacement therapy, exercise or yoga, spend time with your loved ones.

Depression & frustration

Quitting smoking can be just as similar to losing a friend. You will feel depressed and frustrated. To get rid of this feeling, you might try a brisk walk, go for a movie or distract your mind in whatever way you can. Whenever any thought about smoking comes into your mind, you can think about changing the activity in a way that it breaks the urge to resume this substance abuse.

Smokers feel fatigued after quitting the daily intake of nicotine. Some nicotine substitutes might help in the beginning but ultimately, your body will start adjusting and saving more energy for the next tasks.

Anger & irritability

Generally, the anger in people becomes high-degree due to the absence of regular intake of nicotine. Heavy smokers become more irritable and get awkward behavioral changes. This can be avoided by gradually making your mind stable and thinking about the positive benefits your life will get after quitting smoking.

Weight gain

The major reason for weight gain is due to the hunger pangs caused after quitting smoking. Don’t replace cigarettes with food and try to manage your diet in a way that you don’t consume unnecessary calories. Drink plenty of water and take low-fat snacks in-between the meals to feel comfortable.

Tight chest and stomach disturbances

These symptoms are caused due to nicotine requirement of the body. The problem in chest and stomach are caused due to the tension created in the body. Meditation, relaxation techniques, deep breathing, and walk can reduce these symptoms. You must consume high-fiber food, 6-8 glasses of water and exercise daily to get rid of any chest or stomach issues.

Insomnia

This is another common problem faced by the ex-smokers while quitting their addiction. They get up with the nicotine craving or even heavy coughing, known as smokers cough. To avoid this symptom, try relaxation therapies or take a warm bath before sleeping. Avoid caffeine.

Dizziness in head

Dizziness in the head is caused in the ex-smokers for the reason of getting increased oxygen supply to the brain which was prevented by carbon monoxide during the smoking phases. For this issue, try to do every activity slowly and change positions slowly for a few days to feel confident. It will certainly make your mind fresh.

These were some common symptoms faced with quitting the smoking habit. You must practice the 4 Ds to manage your smoking cravings and make your life better & smoke-free.

Delay Smoking

Deep Breathing

Distract Yourself

Drink water

Withdrawal symptoms are not exactly fun when you’re going through it, but be rest assured that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel if you persevere and keep believing that you can. When you believe you can, you definitely will and most importantly, regain your health, radiance and glow.